We’ve made progress in the fight against Alzheimer’s with new FDA-approved treatments, but an unprecedented and unjust decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is STILL BLOCKING access to these treatments!
We are rallying for #AccessNow on Saturday, June 17th. Join us from 10:00am - 11:00am in Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located at 2300 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205.
Please register today to attend and receive more details. Raise your voice with advocates from across the state and region as we demand CMS provide #AccessNow!
CMS is still denying access to all current and future treatments
approved though FDA's accelerated approval process. This applies to the entire class of drugs that address the underlying cause of the disease. This coverage determination was the first time ever that CMS chose not to have Medicare cover an FDA-approved drug. This is why CMS must reverse its decision!
Leading Alzheimer’s researchers and clinicians overwhelmingly agree that patients should have access to these treatments. These treatments are proven to slow the progression of the disease.
Access to these treatments means more time for people living with early Alzheimer’s. They allow people more time with loved ones, more time to enjoy life, and remain independent longer.
What about the latest CMS announcement?
Earlier this month, CMS said it will cover Alzheimer’s treatments
IF they receive traditional FDA-approval — and
IF physicians register and enter data in a registry. FDA will make a decision this summer about whether to issue traditional approval (versus the current accelerated approval) to these Alzheimer's treatments.
We look forward to learning more details from CMS. But, as our statement in response details, we believe a registry should not be required for coverage for an FDA-approved treatment. We continue to believe that all FDA-approved treatments should be covered today, with no unnecessary conditions or burdens.
While registries are important, posing this condition of coverage on people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s, still creates an additional and unnecessary barrier — especially if traditional approval is issued by the FDA this summer.
Each day, 2,000 people living with early-stage Alzheimer's progress beyond the point where current treatments can help them. They don’t have time to wait for a registry or search for a doctor who participates in one.
We aren't backing down. Please rally with us in Columbia on June 17!
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.™ For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.